Variety is the Spice of Life

15Jan

A couple of years ago when my buddies, Huck and Shrew, separately suggested that Taylor Hicks would be best served in a variety-type TV show, I was somewhat skeptical.

Really? Like the entertainment pablum of my ’60s & ’70s youth? Could our cynical and jaded society grasp and actually appreciate this vintage concept, complete with special guest stars, comical skits and of course, musical performances? I mean, would these really go over with folks today?

Donny & Marie, with guest Milton Berle

Sonny & Cher Show, VAMP

Flip Wilson, with guest Muhammad Ali

Tony Orlando & Dawn

However, after contemplating a bit, I remembered that while those good, old variety hour programs provided slapstick humor and comedic skits, there were also ALOT of great musical performances — like these little gems I came across:

Blowin’ in the Wind, Glen Campbell with special guest, Stevie Wonder

They Call the Wind Mariah, The Smothers Brothers

Then, as if to confirm my suspicions that today’s sophisticated TV viewer has no appetite for good, old variety fare, Rosie O’Donnell’s attempt at variety show resurrection lasted all of 42 seconds.